Mooresville, NC - Gifted Travel Network (GTN) is proud to recognize its Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Vanessa McGovern, for being awarded the Barbara O’Hara Advocacy Award at the 2024 American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Annual Conference in Dallas, TX.  

The Barbara O’Hara Advocacy Award is presented to an ASTA member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in supporting ASTA’s advocacy initiatives, grassroots campaign, and ASTAPAC funding.

McGovern's true passion lies in raising the collective profile of the travel advisor. In 2013, she co-founded GTN with the mission of cultivating success through travel entrepreneurship. Since then, she has not only helped to change the lives of many entrepreneurs, but has also worked tirelessly to improve the travel industry overall. She served on ASTA Board of Directors and spearheaded ASTA’s Advocacy Awareness Day, playing a crucial role in raising significant funds for ASTAPAC.  

“I am deeply passionate about our industry and the role travel advisors play in creating meaningful experiences that change lives,” said McGovern. “I will continue to advocate for the profession of travel advisors and hope the record-breaking momentum for supporting ASTA's government affairs and political action work continues a strong trajectory. I am truly humbled and honored to receive this recognition.”

About ASTA
Rebranded in 2018 as the American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public. Its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with hundreds of internationally-based members, ASTA’s history of industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 when it launched with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. For more information about the Society, visit our mission statement.  

About GTN
Gifted Travel Network is the premier host agency for luxury travel advisors. Specializing in providing an elevated hosting experience, GTN has swiftly emerged as a leader within Virtuoso. Through their innovative approach to educating and supporting successful travel entrepreneurs, Gifted Travel Network takes pride in leading the way and attracting new-to-industry professionals to enter the dynamic world of luxury travel.